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Executive Director
By Susie Welch

As summer begins to bloom across our community, so does the excitement here at the Lee County Council on Aging. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out and supported our recent fundraisers. From lending a hand to sharing a laugh and enjoying good food together, your support means the world to us.
If you happened to miss our cookout at County Market, don’t worry — the Board of Directors had so much fun they already want to do it again! We’re looking forward to another opportunity to fire up the grill and spend time
with our wonderful community.
This year’s Senior Prom was also a tremendous success and truly a night to remember. We are incredibly thankful to our generous sponsors, Ken Nelson Auto Group and Sauk Valley Bank, for helping make the evening so special. Congratulations once again to Tina Maldonado and Terry Christian, who were crowned this year’s Prom Queen and King. The smiles, music, dancing, and friendships made it an evening no one wanted to end—and certainly something you won’t want to miss next year.
June is shaping up to be another exciting month at the Senior Center. Our biggest event of the month, the Annual Senior Fair, will be held June 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. It’s much more than just an event — it’s an opportunity to reconnect and build community. Visit with familiar faces, catch up with old friends, and make new ones along the way. Guests will have the
Executive Director
By Emily Hammer

We would like to thank everyone on our Board of Directors! All of the members on our board are volunteers who take time out of their busy schedules to help better our Senior Center and Public Transportation. The next Board meeting will be June 24 at 12:30 p.m. in
the Dining Room.
Golden Meals is a local non-profit organization that provides $3.25 meals to our 60-plus senior community and $6.25 meals for our 59-and-younger community, Monday through Thursday at our site. Please watch the menu calendar as they will be providing meals on select Fridays. The Golden Meals calendar will be posted on our Facebook page and sent out in our monthly member’s newsletter. Thank you to everyone who has been coming for lunch! The turnouts have been great, and the food is always super yummy!!
Walk-in appointments are available
Golden Echo published monthly by Sauk Valley Media, 113-115 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021, in cooperation with the Lee County Council on Aging and Whiteside County Senior Center.
Golden Echo disclaims any liability for any advertisements published herein and in no way endorses or guarantees these ads.
Press releases of interest to seniors will be accepted at 100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021; or 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081. Deadline for submission is the 15th of each month.
Golden Echo does not discriminate in admission to programs or treat-
chance to meet local providers and businesses, learn about valuable services, enjoy refreshments, and enter for door prizes. Whether you stop by briefly or stay the entire time, there will be plenty of conversation, laughter, and opportunities to connect.
We’re also excited to begin something new this month. Starting June 1, join us every Monday at 10 a.m. for a Coffee Klatch in the Game Room (Blue Room), just off the reception area. Stop in, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy friendly conversation — you never know who you’ll run into or what stories you’ll hear.
This year, the Walkie Talkies walking groups are also back and ready to get moving. Walkers will meet every Thursday at the designated walking site with two group options available — one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 9 a.m. Call the Senior Center at 815-288-9236 to find out the weekly meeting location and come enjoy the fresh air and exer-
cise. The connection we build with one another while staying active truly makes all the difference.
Support and encouragement continue with our Caregiver Support Group on June 2, led by Serenity Hospice and Home. Whether you are caring for a spouse, a friend, or even raising grandchildren, this welcoming group offers understanding, resources, and the reassurance that you are not alone.
Caregivers are also invited to attend our “Refill My Cup” Caregiver Workshop on June 23 at 2 p.m., presented by Addus HomeCare. This uplifting workshop is designed to help caregivers focus on their own well-being while learning practical tools for the caregiving journey.
As always, thank you for continuing to make the Senior Center a place filled with friendship, laughter, and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you in June!
See you soon ... Susie
on Monday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and scheduled appointments are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
For any questions, please call our Outreach Department at 815.622.9230 ext. 131.
Choose a Medicare plan with the benefits you need. Once you sign up for both Part A and Part B, you need to consider what you want for additional coverage. Parts A and B only give you hospital and medical coverage. This means things like drugs and dental are not provided for. Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans can provide prescription drug coverage and additional ben-
ment or employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act; the U.S. Civil Rights Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; the Age Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have a right to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Aging. For information, call 800-252-8966 (Voice & TDD), or contact the director of Lee County Council on Aging, 100 W. Second St., Dixon, IL 61021 or telephone 815-288-9236; or Whiteside County Senior Center, 1207 W. Ninth St., Sterling, IL 61081 or 815-622-9230.
efits such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage. For more information, reach out to our Medicare Counselors at 815622-9230.
Caregiving is rewarding but stressful. For most caregivers, caring for a loved one feels good, and it can make a relationship stronger. But the demands of caregiving also cause emotional and physical stress. It’s common to feel alone, angry, frustrated, or sad. Caregiver stress can put caregivers at risk of changes in their own health.
If you would like information about our caregiver support group, please reach out to 815-622-9230 for more information.
The senior centers do not require duration of residency or citizenship as a condition of participation in any services or programs funded by the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Residency or citizenship may be a requirement for other programs that the senior centers may provide assistance with in application or accessing of same. Services are made available, in part, with funds provided under Title III-B of the Older American Act, and the Illinois General Revenue Funds, through the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging. We are a United Way-funded agency.
Asbury, Rebecca Booker, Mary Buikema, Sandra End, Mary Engel, Gloria Izral, Jeanne Kessler, Patrica Mayberry, Anne Meagher, Sharon
Kim McMahon of Citadel
Chris Meier
Lifescape Sauk Valley Food Bank Riverbend Food Bank
Sauk Valley Bank Volunteers
Bimbo/Curt Wade
Margaret Sadowski
Deb Mortonson
Gene & Cathy Jacoby
Robin Vancil
Gabriel Tapia of Ink on the Left Junk It Sauk Valley
Benefactor
Pine Creek Christian Church
Sponsors
Addus Health Care
The Meadows of Franklin Grove
McMurry, Warren Morine, Linda Nusbaum, Phillip Paone, Catherine Phillips, Marie Sue Polzin, Mary Ann Pro, Gregory Quigley, Laurie Rockwell, Rhonda
John Brundage of Beacon of Hope
Volunteers
Atchley, Charles Barber, Linda Becker, Barbara Brown, Chris Cantu, Adela Chandler, Nedra Friskey, Scott Leisner, Chris Medrano, Norma Meller, Marilyn Meyer, LuAnn
Partners
Ron Chamberlain
Lucy Chamberlain
Members
Michele Ippolito NIAAA
Rodriguez, Rosa Shroats, Katie Schmitt, Colette Skinner, Cathy Smith, Royola Stradley, Bonnie Stewart, Patricia Tolley, Robert Vandersnick, Michelle
Meyers, Becky Mortonson, Deb Pratt, Jewelene Qureshi, Nazir Rhoades, Jeanette Riva, Don Shipley, Neal Smith, Ian Tackett, Diane Tompkins, Gary Wetzell, Jon Wells, Mary Lou Whitebread, Ginny
Serenity Hospice & Home
Deborah Burger Susie Smith
Colette Schmitt
Randolph Wallick
Virgina Sheets
Pine Creek Christian Church
Sauk Valley Bank
Ken Nelson
McCormicks
Carol Linkowski
Robert Linkowski
Judy Hallquit
Walmart
Leydig Center
Kreider
Center Stage
Rock River Garden Club
Laura Hoyle
Dianne Frye
Gyrlee Kobler
Tina Maldonado
Roberta LeMoine
Dan Leake
Sarah Mayer
David Nelson
Mary Thomas Dixon Library
Discover Dixon
Amanda Carroll
Marcus Cox
Kathy Marine
Greg Currens
June Fordham
Kelli Chambers
Alisa Wolf
Nancy Gates
Nancy Wadsworth
Tom Wadsworth
Terry Christian
Glen Hughes
Joe Fornero
First Assembly of God Church
Mauren Broers
Cathy Reglin
Sauk Valley Food Bank
Regan Mass Transit United Way
NIAAA
Allure
Addus Health Care
Judi and Phil Callison
HealthCare Plus
Heritage Woods
Bonnie Stradley
Allure
100 W. SECOND ST., DIXON, IL, 61021
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday Main number: 815-288-9236
Transportation: 815-288-9236 (7 a.m.-5 p.m.)
E-mail: info@leecoaging.org
Online: www.leecountycouncilonaging.net and on Facebook
POST HOUSE BALLROOM 815-288-0892 Online: www.posthouseballroom.net
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired
Outreach hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
LCCOA BOARD MEMBERS & OFFICERS
Dianne Frye — Chair | Marcus Cox — Vice chair
Terry Christian — Board Secretary | Kathy Marine —Treasurer Board members: Amanda Carroll, Kelli Chambers, Greg Currens, June Fordham, Alisa Wolf
LCCOA SENIOR TRANSPORTATION
815-288-9236 (press 1)
REAGAN MASS TRANSIT
Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 888-239-9228 or 815-288-2117
Fares: (within zip code)
Ages 5 & under (must be accompanied by an adult): $1 one way Ages 6 to 59 years: $2 one way
Seniors or individuals with a disability: $1 one way (unless qualified under Medicaid or other program)
Out-of-town trips can be arranged, subject to availability: 35 cents per mile, maximum $5.
1207 W. NINTH ST., STERLING, IL 61081
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Information: 815-622-9230 Toll-free: 888-622-9230
Transportation: 815-625-7433 Email: info@wc-seniorcenter.org Online: www.wc-seniorcenter.org and on Facebook. AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER (ADRC) 815-622-9230
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Outreach services and free phones for hearing impaired. Satellite locations are by appointment only. Please call 815-622-9230 to schedule your appointment.
WCSC BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Karla Burn — President | Chris Nolin — Vice President
Lyndi Lemay— Secretary | Ronda Borgmann — Treasurer
Board members: Joe Strabela-Bright, Pam Fluck, Le Hartman, John Booker, Julie Morse, Marge Sadowski, Gene Jacoby, and Butch Hannan
WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
815-625-7433
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Fares: No charge for stops within Whiteside County, but a suggested donation of $2 is appreciated. Out-of county trips can be arranged, subject to availability, for $4. We don’t accept Medicaid at this time.








Friday, June 5 — 9 a.m.
We will meet at Maple Pancake House in Sterling.
Tuesday, June 9 — 10 a.m.
Please join us to share all of your new trip ideas and hear of the places we will be heading to in 2026!
Wednesday, June 10 & 24 — 9:30 a.m.
Marge will be teaching a canvas painting class in our Big Room.
Monday, June 22 — Noon
Seniors often need support to maintain sobriety. The Senior Center is a great place with compassionate employees who are able to interact with clients and
help them get the resources they need to stay healthy and sober.
Tuesday, June 30 — 12:30 p.m.
Please join Devon for this great social event. See you then!
Tuesdays & Thursdays — 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Patrick Stramka will teach Tai Chi every Tuesday and Thursday. This class works on balance, relaxation, and exercise.
Fridays — 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Need some help with that pesky cell phone? Each Friday, Devon will be available to answer any questions or help with things on your iPhone or Android cell phone. No appointment needed!
For the latest updates and daily activities, please go to our “Whiteside County IL Senior Center” Facebook page
Tuesday, June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 12:15-3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3, 10 & 24
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Please call Deb at 815-213-0324 or Sharon at 815-718-5294 to set up an appointment.
Wednesday, June 3 — 12:15 p.m.
Eat your Smarties for breakfast and head over to the Center to put your skills to the test!
Thursday, June 4, 11, 18 & 25 12:30-3:30 p.m.
This will take place in the dining room.
Friday, June 5, 12 & 26 | Advance class 10 -11 a.m. , beginners 11 a.m.-noon
Our line dancing group is moving and grooving with a great group of people lately! Not too sure about dancing? Pull a chair up and watch all of the fun and listen to great music!
Friday, June 5, 12 & 26
12:30 -3:45 p.m.
June 5, 12 & 26, — 12:30 p.m.
We have a great lineup of films, and you can’t beat delicious fresh popped popcorn!
Monday, June 8 & 22 — 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10 & 24 — 12:15 p.m.
Bingo is a blast!! Great prizes, great people, and lots of fun! See you there. Please bring a $1 donation for the Food Pantry.
Friday, June 12 — 9 a.m.
Wednesday, June 17 — 12:15 p.m.
Buy a vowel and solve our puzzle. See you then!
Please note: There will be no quilting in June.
Monday-Thursday — 8:30-11:30 a.m.
If you would like a specific appointment for one-on-one time, please call the Center and speak with Neal. Food pantry
Every Thursday — 1-3 p.m.
Sign-ups start at noon, and you must sign up in person. Everyone is able to go through the closet weekly to get meat and other great items! We are needing grocery bags, so if you have any, we will gladly take them!
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12:30-3:45 p.m.
Mondays 9-10 a.m. | Tuesdays 1-3:45 p.m. | Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m. | Thursdays from 1-3:45 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays — 10-11 a.m.
This group is growing and has really become a large event! This yoga classw
accommodates all levels of balance, intensity, and range of motion. The Center can provide a yoga mat and chair if you do not have your own. See you there!
Tuesdays & Thursdays — 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Patrick Stramka will teach this class. See you then! Cost is $10 a month for members and $20 a month for nonmembers.
Tuesdays — 12:30 p.m.
Join us every Tuesday to play a new board game and meet some new friends! Have a game you love to play and want to share it with others? Bring it on in and teach us how to play!







Tuesday, June 2 — 2 p.m.
Join us for a free Caregivers Support group designed to provide encouragement, practical guidance, and valuable resources for family caregivers. Sponsored by Serenity Hospice.
Tuesday, June 2 & 23 — 11 a.m.
Wednesday, June 3 — 11 a.m.
Cheryl Moeller, owner of Centerstage Dance Company for 37 years, teaches a fun workout class — her studio. Full body movement and gentle workout, including some senior friendly cardio. Alternative movements offered if needed, such as knee-friendly versions of a move.
Friday, June 5 — 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Heritage Woods.
Refreshments will be served Book Club
Tuesday, June 9 — 1 p.m.
Friday, June 12 — 10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Allure. Win valuable prizes and donuts!
Monday, June 15 — 1-3 p.m.
Writers and Want-to-Be Writers meet every third Monday; this month in the dining room at LCCOA. Bring a short life story, essay, poem, or other work to share. Everyone is welcome!
June 16 — 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Coffee with the Mayor
Wednesday, June 17 — 9 a.m.
Enjoy conversation, a cup of coffee and donut with the mayor
Blood pressure checks
Monday, June 22 — 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Sponsored by the Lee County Health Department.
Tuesday, June 23 — 1 p.m
Sponsored by Addus. A practical 4-part series on caregiver burnout. This professional, educational series is designed to support caregivers by addressing stress, fatigue, and burnout while offering practical strategies for balance and self-care.
Tuesday, June 23
Fancy Feet will be at the Center every month to trim nails and offer foot massages. Cost is $25. Call Deb at 815213-0324 for an appointment
Friday, June 26 — 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Heritage Woods A great opportunity to win prizes by guessing the price of the items without going over!
Friday, June 26 — 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by Healthcare Plus.
Transportation — 6 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, July 16 — 2 p.m.
Seashell Succulents, conducted by Nancy Wadsworth.
Friday, July 17 — 11 a.m.
Do you enjoy solving the puzzles while watching Wheel of Fortune? Come to the Center and win prizes. (If you wish to buy vowels, bring quarters!). Sponsored by Heritage Woods.
Friday, July 17 — 9 a.m.
Help Brandan as he leads a group of interested seniors in a tour of Lee County breakfast shops once a month. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what a great way to get out into our community and make new friends– then come back to the Center to play Wheel of Fortune! The only requirement is you must be a Senior and be responsible for your own bill and transportation. RSVP to 815-288-9236.
along with refreshing ice water. Check out our pop fridge fundraiser for repairs needed at the Center.
Call 815-288-9236 for rides to doctor and dentist appointments, drug stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, beauty salons, barber shops and trips to the Center.
Congregate Lunches — Noon-12:30 p.m.
Congregate meals from Lifescapes for those 60 and over. Call the day before by 9:45 a.m. to reserve your spot.
Library & DVD Library — 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stop by and see the new donation of books & DVD’s at LCCOA; Self-checkout and return to receptionist policy
CD and puzzle exchange — 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stop by and see our new donation of puzzles and CD’s at LCCOA Self-check out and self-return policy.
Beverage Center — 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The coffee pot is always on at the Center,
Coffee Klatch — 10 a.m.
Social hour
Exercise with Brandan
Come join our free workout program! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available 10-11 a.m.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 11 a.m.
Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day.
Rummikub — 1 p.m.
Bible Study — 1 p.m.
Tuesdays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m.-noon
Fresh produce — 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Please bring your own bags
Lunch — Noon-12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day.
OSF Meals — 3:30 p.m.
Provided for the Lee County Community
Wednesdays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m.-noon
Lunch — Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed before 9:45 a.m. for the next day.
Pinochle — Noon
Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.
Thursdays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m.-noon
Walkie Talkies — 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Lunch — Noon-12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day.
Chair Yoga for seniors — 1 p.m.
Crafters — 1 p.m.
OSF meals — 3:30 p.m.
Provided for the Lee County Community
Fridays
Pool table open hours — 9 a.m.-noon
Exercise with Brandan
Come join our free work out program. Check out our new additional equipment, thanks to Lumzy Yoga! Brandan is available to assist you with our recumbent exercise bicycles. Thirty-minute appointments are available 10-11:30 a.m.
Lunch — 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Reservations needed by 9:45 a.m. for the next day.
Euchre — Noon
Mexican Train Dominoes — 1 p.m.
ALL AGES WELCOME — MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED! For more information on any of these trips, please call Lee County Council on Aging at 815-288-9236.
AUG. 24-28, 2026
Cost per person for members: $1,104 for single, $905 for double occupancy, $885 for triple.
Cost per person for non-members; $1,154 for single occupancy, $955 for double, $935 for triple
$75 will hold your seat, and final payment is due by June 15.
Five-day trip with eight meals: 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners. Highlights include: Guided tour of Mackinaw City, guided carriage tour of Mackinac Island, boat ride through Soo Locks, a visit Mackinaw Crossings, Colonial Michilimackinac, and Northern Michigan Casino. This is a Diamond Tours trip by motorcoach bus.
OCT. 28-NOV. 6, 2026
Cost: $5,949 per person for single occupancy | $4,949 for double | $4,899 for triple. Deposit: $698, with final payment due July 30, 2026. Price does not include optional trip insurance.
Ten-day/nine-night trip features 12 meals (eight breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners). Highlights include: Rome, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine
Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, Perugia, Cortona, Florence, Chianti Winery and Cooking Class, Venice, Murano Island, and Lake Como. We will stay overnight in Rome, Perugia, Florence, Venice, and Como. This is a Collette tour.
MARCH 2 -16, 2027
Cost: $9,399 per person for single occupancy | $7,999 for double. Deposit: $698, with final payment due Aug. 28, 2026. Rates per person are guaranteed until Sept. 4, 2026, for members and non-members.
Fifteen-day trip includes 22 meals (12 breakfasts, four lunches and six dinners). Highlights include: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef glass-bottom boat and snorkeling, Sydney Harbor tour, Christchurch, Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu cruise and more, with an optional four days in Figi. This is a Collette tour.
SEPT. 8-20, 2027
Cost: $9,899-$12,099 per person for single occupancy | $6,899-$8,399 for double. Occupancy depends on cabin
choice on cruise. Deposit: $698, with final payment due by May 11, 2027. Rates per person are guaranteed until Nov. 8, 2026, for members and nonmembers:
Thirteen-day trip, with 28 meals (12 breakfasts, eight lunches and eight dinners). Highlights include: Sternwheeler Discovery, Music of Denali Dinner Theater, Denali National Park, Luxury Domed Rail, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Inside Passage. This is a Collette tour.
NOV. 5-11, 2027
Cost: $5,299 per person for single occupancy | $4,499 for double | $4,449 for triple. Deposit: $698, with final payment due by Aug. 7, 2027. Rates per person are guaranteed until May 6, 2027, for members and nonmembers.
Seven-day trip with 11 meals (six breakfasts and five dinners). Highlights include: Reykjavík, Northern Lights Cruise, Search for the Northern Lights, Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Lava Exhibition Center, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Blue Lagoon, Vík. This is a Collette tour.
ALL SENIORS WELCOME
— MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED!
For more information on any of these trips, call the Whiteside County Senior Center at 815-622-9230.
JUNE 11
Cost: $120 for members | $145 for non-members
Join us for lunch and a tour on the Mississippi River. The trolley will depart the Senior Center at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m.
MONDAY, JULY 13
Cost: $110 for members $135 for non-members
We will visit Starved Rock. Lunch will be served in the Dining Room, followed with a guided Land and Water Cruise. Departure from the Senior Center will be at 9 a.m. and we will return at 5 p.m.